Texas consumer notice
Texas law requires us to post clear instructions for three things: how to request your health care records, how to contact our licensing authority, and how to file a complaint. All three are below, along with two notices you have a right to read at any time.
Ellen Johnson Counseling, PLLC dba Decades Counseling. 1609 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 301, Austin, TX 78701.
01
You have the right to your records, and to your child's records. Texas law requires the request to be in writing.
Through the patient portal
Complete our Release of Information form and submit it through the patient portal. Use the subject line REQUEST FOR RECORDS. If you do not have the form, message your clinician through the portal and they will send it to you.
Open the patient portalBy email, if you do not have portal access
Email your written request to hello@decadescounseling.com with the subject line REQUEST FOR RECORDS. If you do not have a Release of Information form, we will send you one to fill out.
The specific records you are requesting.
The name, address, and email address of the person or organization the records should go to.
Electronic records
$25
Business Records Affidavit, if you require one
$15
We accept credit cards or cash. Texas law does not require records to be released until fees are paid, and an affidavit will not be provided until payment is received.
Include the cause number, the case title, and the court where the case is pending.
For couples counseling records, family counseling records, or records for anyone other than yourself or your child, state and federal law require either a valid court order, or an authorization signed by the individual or their parent or legal guardian.
45 C.F.R. 164.512(e); Texas Health and Safety Code 611.004, 611.0045, 611.008
02
Our clinicians are licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. You can contact them directly, whether or not you have raised anything with us.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, TX 78701
512-305-7700bhec.texas.gov03
You have a right to have your complaints heard and resolved in a timely manner. If we cannot work things out to your satisfaction, these are the routes open to you.
Our licensing board
Complaints about a clinician or about this practice go to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Their investigations line is toll free and staffed 24 hours: 800-821-3205. Complaints can be emailed to Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov.
BHEC complaint formHIPAA privacy complaints
For a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy Regulations, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at 1-877-696-6775.
OCRMail@hhs.govPrivacy and security of your health information
If you believe you have a consumer complaint about the privacy or security of your health information, you can file with the Texas Office of the Attorney General.
File with the Texas Attorney General04 and 05
Both of these are posted in our office and available here. Neither one needs to be signed or returned, and we are glad to print a copy for you on request.
How we use and disclose your health information, what your rights are, and how to exercise them. Effective 25 July 2026, replacing all prior versions.
Our Privacy Officer is Ellen Johnson, MA, LPC, at ellen@decadescounseling.com or 512-522-1964.
Read the Notice of Privacy PracticesBecause this practice does not bill insurance, you have the right to a written estimate of what your care will cost before it begins. This notice explains that right, the timelines for receiving an estimate, and what to do if a final bill exceeds the estimate.
Read the Good Faith Estimate noticeIf you would rather ask a person than read a document, that is a reasonable preference. Ask any staff member or your therapist, or reach us at hello@decadescounseling.com or 512-222-7124.
Often same day, always within one business day.
For attorneys and document companies
A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information, under HIPAA. For records requested or subpoenaed in litigation, including testimony, HIPAA permits disclosure only in response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or when the individual, or their parent or legal guardian, is a party to the proceeding, has notice that the information has been requested, and does not object to the disclosure.
An authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement. If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to release of records, a Statement of Assurance will not be accepted, and a valid authorization or court order will be required.
45 C.F.R. 164.512(e); 45 C.F.R. Chapter 164.
%20(1).png)
